Instant Apps is now enabled on more than 500 million Android devices

Instant Apps, a feature that allows Android users to run an app without first installing on it on their smartphone, is now enabled on more than 500 million Android devices.

According to Google, the feature, which first started rolling out earlier this year, is currently compatible with Android 6.0 devices and higher, though not every compatible Android smartphone has the functionality currently enabled. Google also mentioned that support for devices running Android Lollipop is on its way.

Additionally, Google said that developers are seeing more users spend time on pages that include the instant app functionality. For example, the time spent on Vimeo has increased by 130 percent since it adopted Instant Apps, while the time spent on Jet, a shopping app, has increased by 27 percent.

To enable Instant Apps, go to the Google settings and under ‘Services’ tap on ‘Instant Apps.’

So how much data will did take versus downloading the actual app? Is there an option to use only when on wifi (to limit data consumption)?

David Markx

It’s suposed to use a similar amount of data or less because you already most of the instant app’s assets already on your phone.

Smanny

Since instant apps can only be 4 MB maximum. It shouldn’t be a problem for most. Not to mention these apps do not have the same authorities as regular apps. There is a number of limitations on instant apps.

Smanny

Stock Nexus 6 doesn’t support it right now. But the Pixels, Nexus 5x, 6p do support it right now.